5 Great Tech Gifts for Artistic Kids

Whether it's stop-motion or digital, animation is where's it's at right now. If your child is itching to create his or her own animated films, shorts, greeting cards or Web site images, you have a bunch of options appropriate for younger skill levels.

Some are in the form of software, which turns a computer into an animation studio that allows your child to easily create animations and upload them to the Web. Others are standalone units with the animation and viewing tools built in, some designed to animate real 3-D objects like action figures or other small toys.

Recommended ages begin around 5, so they can start young! Products in this category run as little as $20.